Countryside Council for Wales requests shooting ban during freezing weather

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A WEEK of freezing temperatures led the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) to request a voluntary suspension of wildfowl and waterbird shooting.

The council made the request on Friday after seven days of freezing temperatures in Wales, because in times of severe cold weather the disturbance of birds – especially waterbirds – can add to the physical stress they are already suffering.

Extra disturbance can threaten their survival and lead to increased mortality.

Dr David Parker, CCW director of science, said: “A voluntary suspension of shooting activities now will make a real difference and we are grateful for the fantastic response from conservation and shooting organisations to help wildlife cope with the current freeze.”

The CCW worked with a number of conservation and shooting organisations which contacted their members to discourage activities that may cause disturbance to birds.

If freezing conditions continue after a period of 14 days, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) would be required to implement a statutory ban in Wales.